Hi Member,
October brings the height of colors to many regions of the country as autumn settles in. As the season advances, don't forget to stay connected to your members and your community through fraternal and charitable activities.
Executive Committee Meeting Highlights
Here's a summary of the recent meeting of your Executive Committee.
Royal Perks Member Update
We have a saving success story to share; get inspired and score some savings using Royal Perks.
Junior Christmas Party Planning
It's time to get ready for Junior Christmas Parties. Send in your requests for junior gifts they arrive in time for your party.
October is the Month of...
The month of October Awareness Days, Holidays, Observances, Fun Days, and Historical events are presented.
Charitable Activities Highlights
Did you know how important your council's charitable activities are? Read a reminder of how your generous acts benefit your community and our organization.
College News
It's a busy season for those enrolled in and planning for college. Be sure to read this section for your important reminders.
Inspirational Quote
This month's quote ...
Upcoming Dates
Update your calendar with these important dates |
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Executive Committee Meeting Summary Your Executive Committee met last month to discuss the general business of the Royal Arcanum and review the plans and goals for the future. Here are a few highlights from that meeting. Supreme Council Officers and Secretaries will be sent a more complete summary to share with their members.
Supreme Regent Visitations Our Supreme Regent, Maria DiBartolo, is eager to visit jurisdictions where she has not yet presented her program. Deputy Supreme Regents and Grand Regents are encouraged to coordinate with her to select a date, and to combine it with a charitable activity.
Strategic Operational Goals Several strategic operations goals were discussed to continue the upward trend of our business in terms of premiums received. The Executive Committee met with Bill Paulo, our Sales Director who oversees the agents and partnerships we've engaged in to increase quality business. Our current e-application system is up and running, with plans to introduce an additional system, iCover, next year. The Home Office Staff is commended for processing the increase in applications without a need to increase staff sizes.
Financial Stability CFO John Crisanti reported on the successful completion of an external audit and reviewed the budget with the Executive Committee.
Council Communications Supreme Secretary Tony Basa reported on his communications with leaders in the Grand Councils to ensure they have completed their reporting requirements and offer help with their future events.
Fraternal Updates Fraternal Communications Director Cindy Macon gave an update on the reports filed with the American Fraternal Alliance on our fraternal and charitable activities. She reported on her recent trip to Poland in support of the Ukraine Project and a new initiative that will be announced shortly to encourage jurisdictions to work together on a volunteer project.
Session Discussions Plans for the 106th Supreme Council Session are still in progress, with no final site yet selected. Discussions on the challenges of planning with lesser numbers attending and the communications with the short-staffed hotels were discussed. Final arrangements are targeted to be completed in time for a reservation form to be published in the Winter and Spring Bulletins. |
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A Savings Example Last month, we highlighted one of the benefits of being a Royal Arcanum member, our Royal Perks program. This free savings program can put cash back in your pocket for a wide variety of purchases. Our own Chief Operations Officer, who is also a Royal Arcanum member, recently needed to buy a new mattress for his daughter. He went shopping and found a $699 mattress on sale for $499, which is great to begin with. But he didn't stop there: using the PerkSpot app on his phone to access his Royal Perks account, he was able to obtain a promo code that saved him an additional $80! Not bad for a few clicks while right there in the store. Be sure to regularly check for savings using your Royal Perks benefit. |
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Order Junior Christmas Gifts Now Planning to hold a Christmas Party for your junior members? It's time to order your gifts for your juniors from our Junior Department. Our Junior Christmas Gift Request Form is available on our website so you can easily place your order for your junior members.
Our Membership Services Department is available if you need an updated list of juniors for your council. Don't forget that your request form should be completed and sent to us at least four weeks prior to your planned Junior Christmas Party so we can ship your gifts at an economical price. Now is the time to consolidate your plans so you can get your request form sent this month. |
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Awarenesses MONTH
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls together victim advocates, professionals, survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones, and their community to mourn those who lost their lives to domestic violence, and to work to create change to end this epidemic experienced by 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men. Use the hashtag #1Thing to highlight at least one thing you can do to get involved, take action, and make a difference for those who suffer from domestic violence.
https://domesticviolence.org/domestic-violence-awareness-month/ Eat Better, Eat Together Month October is home to Eat Better, Eat Together Month, which challenges families to enjoy meals together if they're not already doing so. Children of families who eat together are more likely to have a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, have a healthier weight, are are less likely to have behavior problems or abuse drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol when they get older according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Make meals a family time again! https://avitahealth.org/health-library/eating-better-eating-together/ Healthy Lung Month The COVID-19 epidemic reminded us of the importance of the automatic and often-forgotten blessing of being able to breathe. We rarely think about breathing, except when it's difficult to do. In October, time is the time to take care of your lungs, helping them to keep you healthy. It's a great time to give up smoking, get a check-up, and do something to help keep your lungs clean, such as taking outdoor walks when the air quality is healthy, cleaning your house to remove dust and dander, and getting vaccinated against airborne illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu. https://lunginstitute.com/healthy-lung-month/ |
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WEEKS Mental Illness Awareness Week1st Full Week of October, October 1-7, 2023 Since 1990, Mental Illness Awareness Week has been recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. There are more than 200 types of mental illness, and about 5% of Americans suffer from serious mental illness. About half of children who ultimately experience a mental health disorder will show the first signs before age 14; 3/4 of all mental health problems occur before age 24. Educate yourself to recognize signs of mental illness, as treatment is often successful in managing mental illness. https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Illness-Awareness-Week National Retirement Security Week3rd Full Week of October, October 15-21, 2023 National Retirement Security Week raises awareness of the steps needed to experience a financially secure retirement. According to recent studies, less than half of Americans are saving toward retirement, and more than 2/3 are worried they won't have enough saved to retire. Arm yourself with the steps needed to secure your future, or to remain fiscally secure through your remaining retirement years. https://www.nagdca.org/2021-nrsm/
Respiratory Care Week
Last Full Week of October, October 22-28, 2023 Respiratory Care Week honors respiratory therapists around the world to bring awareness to the profession and the role they play in keeping their patients' lungs healthy. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide; lower respiratory infections are the 4th. Be sure to share the importance of these professionals and thank them for their dedication. https://www.aarc.org/resources/programs-projects/respiratory-care-week/ |
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DAYS
The International Day of Older PersonsOctober 1 The United Nations instituted the International Day of Older Persons in 1990 to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society, and to raise awareness of the challenges of aging in the world today. Worldwide, their demographics are set to increase by 14 billion persons over the next decade. The UN hopes to bring attention to older persons in order to achieve the vision of a world where all people can live long and healthy lives. https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day
World Sight Day
October 12 (2nd Thursday in October) This annual awareness day focuses on vision impairment to bring attention to the causes and effects of vision problems great and small. It is estimated that more than 1 billion people have a near vision or a distance vision impairment that could be prevented. While all ages are affected, the majority of visually impaired people are over 50. Be sure to regularly see your eye care professional, and encourage your family and friends to care for their vision. https://www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/about-world-sight-day/
National Food Day
October 24 Since 1975, National Food Day has been set aside to encourage more people to learn to shop, eat, and cook in a healthy and more natural manner. It was established by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of artificial food additives, non-natural preservatives, trans-fats, and lack of clear labeling to allow consumers to monitor what they eat. Make October 24 the first step to shopping and eating healthier. https://nationaltoday.com/national-food-day/ |
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Holidays and Observances Manufacturing Day - First Friday of October - October 6, 2023
The manufacturing workforce is celebrated on MFG Day, or Manufacturing Day, to diversify, strengthen, and honor the workers in the manufacturing industry. The goal of MFG Day is to further individual opportunities and increase community prosperity in the manufacturing industry. https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/students/manufacturing-day/ National Farmers Day - October 12, 2023
This annual observance is celebrated to spread awareness of the contribution of farmers in the United States. Set during prime harvest season, it calls each of us to give thanks to the agriculture workers who make their livelihood by providing nourishment for their community and the world at large. This day has been celebrated since the early 1800s to recognize farmer's importance in everyone's lives. https://agamerica.com/blog/national-farmers-day-2022/ National Trick or Treat Day - Last Saturday of October, October 30, 2023
Halloween and trick-or-treating are time-honored traditions, but when Halloween falls on a weekday or a school night, children's ability to participate may be limited. The Halloween & Costume Association proposed in 2019 that National Trick or Treat Day be celebrated on the last Saturday of October. Whenever your community celebrates, let's make sure to do so safely. https://www.hiaonline.org/page/safety |
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Fun Days World Smile Day was the brainchild of Harvey Ball, the man who created the smiley face symbol. He worried that the overuse of the smiley face would lessen the impact of the power of smiling. World Smile Day on October 6 was officially made a holiday in 1999 to inspire people to smile and perform acts of kindness. https://worldsmileday.com/
National Pasta Day is celebrated every October 17 to encourage everyone to enjoy their favorite noodles. World Pasta Day is on October 25, so there's a second chance to delight in your favorite carb. https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-pasta-day
https://nationaldayfood.com/day/world-pasta-day/ National Candy Corn Day comes just in time for Halloween on October 30. This candy treat was created by George Renniger in the late 1800s and is loved or hated, with few on the sidelines without a strong opinion of this sugary treat (or is it a sugary vegetable?) https://www.phillytrib.com/the_learning_key/did-you-know-national-candy-corn-day-oct-30/article_38f2599b-36db-5ac7-b5c4-7e9a8f154896.html |
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Historical Events October 3, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. It was later moved to the 4th Thursday in November in 1941. October 8, 1871: The Great Chicago Fire started, leveling the 3.5 square miles of the city, killing over 300, and leaving 90,000 homeless. October 9, 1940: Future Beatle John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England. October 12, 1492: Christopher Columbus landed in "The New World" in the Bahamas, naming the first land he saw as El Salvador. October 16, 1701: Yale University was founded in Killingworth, Connecticut as the Collegiate School of Connecticut. October 19, 1781: The British Army surrendered to the Americans at Yorktown, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. October 22, 1962: President John F. Kennedy announced the Cuban Missile Crisis on television. October 24, 1922: The Irish Free State officially adopted their constitution. October 25, 1881: Artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain. October 26, 1825: The Erie Canal opened to link Lake Erie with the Hudson River. October 27, 1904: The New York City subway opened as the first underground and underwater rail system in the world. October 28, 1636: Harvard University was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in America. |
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A Word of Thanks This month, we wanted to thank all our councils and members for their ongoing charitable activity. It not only benefits our community: do you realize how far-reaching your fraternal work is? The Royal Arcanum is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in America. As part of our charter, and as per the IRS tax code, our charitable work is necessary to our retaining our status. Required filings and reports mandate that we include our councils’ and our members’ volunteer charitable efforts, including donations and service hours. These reports are included in nationally compiled data that are used to promote the value and function of the fraternal benefit system. All activity conducted by our grand and subordinate councils helps demonstrate the important work done by fraternal members in communities locally, nationally, and globally. There have been some efforts of late to reverse the laws protecting fraternals as non-profits, and the data collected has been used to show the advantages and worth of fraternals. We very much appreciate our members sharing their council news; it inspires others and provides ideas for future projects.
Last Chance for Dime A Day The Dime A Day program completion is October 18. This program supports I Honor Your Service to America by saving one dime each day for 350 days. Donations should be sent to the Home Office by October 26, and those who donate $35 or more will be entered into a drawing on November 16 for two $150 monetary awards. Complete your project and send in your donation for a chance to win! |
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Submit Your Tuition Bills Scholarship winners, you should have received a reminder to submit your tuition bills. This bookkeeping requirement is necessary for your scholarship funds for the year to be released to your college. If you have any questions, please contact the Home Office. Scholarship Application Reminder Postcards have recently been sent to eligible junior members to remind them to apply for our academic scholarships. The Home Office is currently accepting applications for scholarships and grants. All applications must be received in the Home Office by December 31, 2023. To apply, call 1-888-ARCANUM or visit our website. SAT, ACT, PSAT, LSAT Training Benefit As a benefit of membership to all junior members aged 18 and younger who are taking a training program for SAT, ACT, PSAT, or LSAT, the Royal Arcanum will reimburse them for up to $50 for that training. Mail a copy of your paid training program receipt to the Home Office or contact the Home Office for details. College Care Packages Who doesn’t want a gift package to remind them they haven’t been forgotten? All Royal Arcanum members who are college students are eligible to receive a care package at the beginning of the new year for the next semester. Even if they’re living at home while going through college, they are still entitled to receive a care package. Send us your address at school and we’ll send you a little care package to help make the cramming a little easier. |
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“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ― John Bunyan |
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Mark your calendar with these important dates: - Fall Bulletin Article Submission deadline: October 9, 2023
- Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023
- Dime A Day donation deadline: October 26, 2023
- Monthly Lend a Hand—Lift a Heart Submission deadline: October 31, 2023
- Daylight Saving Time Ends: November 5, 2023
- Fall Bulletin Publication Date: November 17, 2023
- Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Award project completion by: November 20, 2023
- Youth of the Year Award Nominations deadline: November 30, 2023
- Scholarship and Grant Applications deadline: December 31, 2023
- Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Hope Projects end: February 28, 2024
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